Ciao Reader,

The time has come.

In a few hours I'll officially leave Ubud after living here for almost eight months 🤯

If I had to pick one word to describe my time here, I'd have no doubt what that would be:

unfolding | /ʌnˈfəʊldɪŋ/ | noun
the process of developing or being revealed gradually over time

Back in the day, I was a proper type A personality when it came to work and my personal life. I was the type of person who always had a plan and would stick to it no matter what.

Before a holiday I would get sucked into the pre-trip preparation.

Locations were analysed, hotels and activities were booked, everything was ready.

My controlling nature did not take well to last-minute changes, sudden plans, or unpredictable events.

If that version of me could see me now, she wouldn't recognise me at all 🤪

My approach towards life has changed drastically over the years and while I still enjoy spending a bit of time researching the next destination - especially when I'm traveling with a proper type B traveler who trusts me with all the planning (a blessing and a curse, am I right? 😄) - I'm also the queen of letting things happen, of embracing the moment and yes, you know what's coming, letting the day and my life in general unfold.

While I'm still a bit of a control freak when it comes to planning retreats, which I have no doubt is what makes me good at my job, I've also learned to embrace a much more relaxed style in business as well.

When I started this journey, I had an idea, a dream to help yoga and wellness leaders with all the behind-the-scenes planning and strategy of their retreats.

Little did I know that on top of all that work, I was going to turn into a proper supporter of the people in this industry.

Teaching them how to plan retreats.

Cheering them on.

Supporting them in every possible way, not just with the behind-the-scenes work but with that beautiful, invisible work - the kind that leads them from being insecure and fearful about leading their own retreats to confident and proud of what they created.

I also never envisioned myself co-creating retreats.

And look at me now, I've got not one but four that I'm simultaneously working on.

And I never thought I was going to use my voice, my knowledge and experience to talk about money.

But the more time I spend in this industry, the more it angers me seeing yoga and wellness facilitators struggling to make ends meet.

This week I posted exactly about that on my Instagram.

I asked my followers to share their experience, whether they're able to support themselves financially with yoga or if their passion and dedication to the practice is sadly something they only get to do on the side while other jobs sustain them.

It broke my heart reading these comments.

It also made me determined to do everything I can to help those who are exactly in this situation.

So things are soon going to change a bit in the focus of my work. And I love where this is taking me.

I also love that I was able to recognise the direction I should take and that I was able to accept it without resistance.

Old me would have stuck to the original plan.

This version really enjoys seeing where this path is taking me 😁

Which brings me to the question: how good are you at realising when something in your life or work doesn't serve you and leaving it behind without resistance?

I'd like to know if you've ever had to compromise in your work and how that felt.

If you've ever changed direction - what made you do that and how it felt.

Hit reply and let me know.

Now, let me wrap this up, Reader, because I still have to put all my belongings in a backpack and time is running out 🤣

You see, this weekend I'm returning to the place that changed everything for me last month, Sumberkima Hill, but this time I'm taking my favourite person there.

Then we're heading to the wonderful island of Sumba for five days and I already know that's going to be one of the most exciting trips.

And finally we're embarking on the most unhinged travel day of our lives, which will take us back to Thailand.

But we'll speak about that next week 🙂

Embrace the unexpected, Reader, and keep rocking!

See you next week,

Ciao ciao,

Milla

P.S. Yes, the newsletter has officially changed layout, because once again - things evolve and I'm here for it.